Evaluation Question 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

This piece of text was produced by me (Paris).

There are various social groups represented in our opening sequence; this ranges from teenagers to middle-aged men. We have represented these particular social groups through the use of dynamic camera work, there appearance in the mis-en-scene, sound surrounding the character and editing techniques used to represent them in a certain way. All these aspects connote a specific social group appearing in our opening sequence.

Firstly, the main social group represented in our opening sequence is teenagers, both the protagonist and antagonist are teenagers a long with the coach whom of which is also a teenager. The social group of teenagers has been represented through the use of the mis-en-scene connoting that teenagers within the audience can relate and identify with particular characters. This links in with Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory whereby it suggests that audiences watch media for a reason. In this case, our target audience relates to this social group represented for the purpose of identification. Utilising the mis-en-scene is an effective way that we can represent teenagers in a specific way in order for audiences to relate. This can be achieved through the use of lighting, costumes and facial expressions. For example: implementing the use of high-key lighting executed throughout the duration of the opening sequence (more parts than others). This connotes to the audience that this social group represented (teenagers) are in a safe location and make the characters seem happy. This reflects the stereotypes of teenagers which are, dependant, vulnerable in certain respects and foolish. Therefore, the use of suited lighting in general has represented this social group in this way.

However, this representation and stereotypical perspectives of teenagers has been challenged through the use of the silhouette and the stage directions / script incorporated. The silhouette denotes chiaroscuro lighting for dramatic build-up purposes but could potentially connote this social group in a negative light. The use of low-key lighting conventionally connotes the character as untrustworthy, dangerous and unsafe. All of which is emphasised when the fight scene emerges and the social group in question start to actively and aggressively box one another.

    

Therefore, although specific representations have connoted this social group (teenagers) in a certain light; the boundaries of this representation are then further pushed demonstrated through carefully placed lighting and dramatic script writing.

The use of facial expressions and body language  is an effective tool when representing a particular social group as it connotes much detail. The facial expressions and body language used signifies the protagonist as determined and ambitious to win this fight. A stereotype surrounding teenagers could be that they’re ambitious. Therefore, through the use of facial expressions and body language it is clear that teenagers know what they want.

In addition, the use of editing has aided the effect of representing this social group in a particular fashion. There is a lot of short takes and therefore fast-paced editing has been included in this opening sequence which does in turn relate to some stereotypes surrounding teenagers. Teenagers are conventionally viewed as active, hyper and full of energy. This is connoted within our opening sequence due to the fact that the fast-paced editing implemented has increased the speed of the flow of the narrative and met certain expectations and particular audiences needs regarding the social group. By meeting the desired demands of audiences relating to this social group links in with Richard Dyer’s Utopian Solutions theory because it suggests that audiences only watch media texts as it can provide “utopian solutions” to the audiences problems. In this case, one problem that the target audience chronicle with this social group could be the sense of boredom. This is then solved through the elements of adventure and excitement connoted throughout this opening sequence and tie in with the stereotypes revolving around teenagers.

Another social demographic that has been represented in our opening sequence is the adult figure. We have represented him in a stereotypical way as he is in charge and has an authoritative figure to play in our opening sequence.  Reason for this is because the stereotypes surrounding adults is that they are in charge, authenticated and dependable. These stereotypes have been connoted through the mis-en-scene regarding his costume. The ref who is representing the adult social group is wearing a shirt and bow tie which reiterates he is in charge. This is due to the fact that the connotations surrounding professional clothing are that they’re legit and reliable.

Moreover, another social group represented in our opening sequence is the male figure played by all characters. Men are in there selves a social group and make up half the world’s population. Men conventionally associated with the sport, boxing and its aggressive nature that comes hand in hand. We have connoted these aggressive stereotypes through the use of various different camera angles and sound. For example: the variant use of tight and loose frame shots accompanied by angles that connote power and determination. This signifies the ability to explode if necessary (with the loose frames) and connotes the passion and determination with the tight close up shots.

In addition the use of the music included in our opening sequence really adds to the impact of the stereotypes surrounding this particular social group.  The intense and dramatic non diegetic sound relates to the aggressive nature of boxing and suits this social grouping of men. Also, the incorporation of ambient sound featuring the intense breathing of the characters emphasises the barbaric nature regarding the stereotypes of this social group. The reason why the intense breathing is ambient is because considering boxing, intense breathing is natural to this particular environment and therefore is considered ambient sound. Accordingly, this social group of men are represented through the use of major characters like the protagonist and antagonist. Considering Vladimir Propp’s character types theory conventionally the man is both the ‘hero’ and the ‘villain’ and therefore this social group contributes a lot to the developing of the narrative.

The stereotypical representations of these social groups explained above are all represented in the media in a certain way. The three main social demographics that are represented in our opening sequence are as follows: Teenagers, men and adults. Each social group has stereotypes surrounding them that the media portray. For example: the stereotypical view of men as a social group is that they’re powerful, dominant and in some cases more able then women. This is in fact misogynistic and does indeed link in with Laura McRobbie’s Gender theories whereby in the eyes of the media, women are seen as “virgins” who are subservient to men. Men as a social group are represented in our opening sequence as the conventional, powerful man.

In our opening sequence we have represented the majority of our social groups in a conventional way. Through the use of characters appearance and how they’re represented in the mis-en-scene. This includes costumes they’re wearing e.g conventional boxing gear. The dialogue incorporated represents the social groups in a stereotypical way, for instance: “I’m ready” connotes the determination the protagonist signifies and ties in with the social groups characteristics.

On the other hand, we have represented the social group of teenagers in both a conventional and an unconventional way as mentioned above through the use of the silhouette and as a result the lighting. This has lead to the audience becoming intrigued and engaged as the unconventional element links in with Young and Rubicam’s audience classification system whereby this unconventional representation aspect appeals to the ‘struggler’ category of our target audience relating to this social group. It suggests that audiences require escape from their own lives and demand escapism. This is why we have represented this social group in an unconventional light even though there are many conventional other ways in which we have represented this social group. The fact that we have both implemented conventional and unconventional aspects when considering and representing this social demographic it could tie in with Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs because whatever way this social group is represented whether it be conventional or unconventional; it still therefore will appeal to the target audience and fulfil the “love and belonging” need for active audiences.